Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is a perennial herb that belongs to the verbena family (Verbenaceae). It is native to North America and can be found growing in wet, marshy areas and along streams and rivers. The plant has a tall, upright stem with lance-shaped leaves and small, blue-purple flowers that bloom in spikes.
Blue Vervain has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine. The Native Americans used it as a tonic and to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers, respiratory problems, and pain. In Europe, it was used to treat nervous disorders and to induce sleep.
Herbal actions:
Blue Vervain is a nervine and a sedative, which means it has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help to reduce anxiety and stress. It is also an expectorant, which means it can help to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory system, making it useful for relieving coughs and colds.
In addition to its nervine and expectorant properties, Blue Vervain is also an emmenagogue, which means it can help to regulate menstruation and ease cramps. It is also a diuretic, which means it can help to increase urine production and flush toxins from the body.
Folklore:
Blue Vervain has a long history of use in folklore and traditional medicine. In Native American tradition, it was believed to have spiritual and medicinal properties. It was often used in purification rituals and was thought to have the power to protect against evil spirits.
In Europe, Blue Vervain was believed to have the ability to ward off witches and was sometimes referred to as “herb of the cross” due to its supposed ability to heal wounds. It was also believed to have the power to bring good luck and prosperity.
Energetics:
In traditional Chinese medicine, Blue Vervain is considered to have a cool, drying energy. It is thought to nourish the liver and kidneys and to help balance the yin and yang energies in the body.
Spiritual references:
Blue Vervain is often used in spiritual practices and rituals, particularly in Wicca and other forms of modern paganism. It is believed to have strong protective and purifying properties and is often used in spells and rituals for purification, protection, and banishing negative energy.
In conclusion, Blue Vervain is a versatile herb with a long history of use in traditional medicine. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can be helpful for relieving anxiety and stress. It is also an expectorant, emmenagogue, and diuretic, making it useful for a variety of ailments. In addition to its medicinal properties, Blue Vervain is also used in spiritual practices and rituals for its protective and purifying properties.
BLUE VERVAIN (Verbena hastata)
Family: Verbenaceae
Parts Used: Aerial parts in Flower.
Taste – Bitter (Very Bitter, one of the strongest bitters we have) (Draining, Cooling effect) Acrid (mix between bitter and sour, the taste of bile in the back of your throat (Antispasmodic)
Actions:
Bitters – Increases digestive secretions specifically works on the stomach,
Nervine Relaxant/Sedative – Influences the nervous gently relaxing tension, bringing the vital force down & in, Calming the nervous system down
Nervine trophorestorative – Replenished & rejuvenates the nervous system as a whole. Over a length of time notice resilience, less prone to stress & less on edge. Increasing tone & function.
Spasmolytic – Relax tension & spasms in the nervous system & musculoskeletal system works on smooth & skeletal muscles
Affinities:
Stomach – Used for stimulating digestive secretions in the stomach.
Nervous system – Specific for relaxing the nerves (majority of our body systems are directly intertwined with the nerves.
Muscles- Smooth & Skeletal muscles (I believe this is due to its specific connection through the nerves.)
Mind – Major effect on psychology, mental disposition, and emotional states.
Energetics:
Cooling – Sedates heat & excitation in tissues. It brings the energy down.
Drying – Long-term use will have a drying effect on the constitution. Increases secretions that are ultimately leaving the body.
Relaxant – Critical factor (Amazing gentle yet strong quality)
Pitta & Vatta specific – relaxant (releases tension)
Specific Indications:
Stiff, Tension – Mind & physiology. Type A person – Can burn themselves out (Nervous System) Monkey Mind – Circular thought processes (Over thinking) (mental tension)
